The DHS F-1 duration of status rule takes effect September 15, 2026, replacing open-ended D/S admission with fixed stays. New students may receive up to four years, while eligible students already in the U.S. receive transition protection and new extension filing requirements.
The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a rule ending the “duration of status,” or D/S, admission system for F-1 students. Published on Friday, July 17, 2026, the rule takes effect on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. It also covers J exchange visitors and I foreign-media representatives.
F-1 fixed period of admission replaces D/S
Students already maintaining valid F-1 status may qualify for temporary protections when the fixed-stay system begins. Review how the new F-1 transition rules affect students already in the United States .
Under D/S, most F-1 students may remain in the United States while maintaining valid status without a specific departure date on Form I-94. Beginning September 15, newly admitted students will receive a fixed period tied to their program, generally not exceeding four years.
The period may include up to 30 days before the program starts and 30 days after it ends. The new departure period is shorter than the 60-day period generally available under the previous F-1 framework.
F-1 extension of stay may be required
Students planning post-completion practical training should also review when Form I-539 may be required for OPT under the new F-1 rule.
Students unable to finish before the date authorized on Form I-94 will need to request an extension from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. An updated Form I-20 and SEVIS recommendation may support the request but will not independently extend lawful stay.
An approved extension may cover the time needed to finish a program or authorized practical training, generally for no more than four additional years. The request must be filed before the authorized stay expires.
Transition rules protect many current students
Students preparing to leave the country should review how international travel and reentry may affect F-1 status after September 15, 2026.
Students admitted for D/S who are properly maintaining F-1 status on September 15 will not immediately lose status. They may generally remain until the later of the program end date on Form I-20 or the expiration date on an approved employment authorization document, subject to a four-year transition limit. Qualifying students retain a 60-day departure period.
What students should check
Students should review their Form I-20, passport, visa and latest Form I-94 with their designated school official. Program extensions, OPT, STEM OPT, school transfers and international travel may require closer attention under the fixed-stay system.
The departure timeline will not be the same for every student. Read who receives the new 30-day F-1 grace period and who may retain 60 days.
The rule replaces an open-ended status notation with a specific immigration deadline. Students and universities will need to track admission dates and extension filings carefully before implementation begins on September 15.
